Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
